Nov 07 2007
ASHEVILLE, NORTH CAROLINA
Asheville is a year-round resort town nestled between the Smoky and the Blue Ridge Mountains; it’s an Appalachian magnet attracting mountain bikers, New Agers, farmers and antiques aficionados. Asheville has its own take on southern hospitality. The town has a wonderful collection of buzzing bistros and lethargic cafes, Art Deco style skyscrapers and arcades evocative of Paris, bio-diesel cooperatives and kayaking. It is also home to the Biltmore Estate, a two hundred and fifty room French Renaissance-style mansion.
Asheville is a place with my characters, the suave side is located at the Grove Arcade, a huge market built around 1929 and was superbly restored a few years ago. It’s now the heart of downtown Asheville. At the Grove Corner Market you can treat yourself to wine tasting, fresh bread, and live music. Local farmers also sell jams and jellies at pocket friendly prices. A lazy stroll through the area is the ideal way to see the place. There are local artists performing along the streets as well local traders selling honey, jewelry and batik cloths and homemade soaps.
